The December 2012 issue of the Ensign magazine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints published an article derived from a devotional address by Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles to students at BYU-Idaho on January 24, 2012. The Ensign article, The Tradition of Light and Testimony, which begins on page 29, shares profound insight... [ read more ]
The World's Largest Book of Mormon Evidence Conference!
The International Book of Mormon Evidence Conference Series is the largest in the world dedicated to showing forth evidences of the Book of Mormon. On April 4-5 our 11th semi-annual conference, brought more than 700 LDS faithful together from around the world to experience 2 education-packed days with 20 distinguished speakers, inspiring musical performances by country music star Nathan Osmond and the soul-stirring voice of Michele Baer, débuts of a new television series, Nephite Explorer, now being aired on KJZZ-TV, new documentary films and publications, unveilings of new LDS paintings, and many powerful new evidences of the Book of Mormon. (Read the Conference report HERE).
The conference, typically held two days before LDS General Conference, has had attendee's from Australia, Africa, South America, Europe and even Russia. Because the conference seating of 480 was sold out, for the first time ever the conference was made available via online real-time video streaming. Hundreds from around the world took advantage of the opportunity and joined in "live" with the conference precedings. It was a highly educational and faith-building event.
To read the conference report, with info on its distinguished speakers and summaries of their presentations, click on...
11th International Book of Mormon Evidence Conference Report HERE.
Previous conference reports; for 9th Spring 2012 Conference click HERE, for 10th Fall 2012 Conference click HERE.
"Is there evidence for the Book of Mormon?"
Millions have asked this question because the Book of Mormon is foundational to the Mormon faith - more accurately known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. To learn more click HERE. Many have wondered what evidence has been found in its support, as the book asserts to be a record of ancient peoples that came by ship from the Old World region of Israel to the America's where they developed into large and highly advanced civilizations with written language, walled cities, extensive roads, metal working, agriculture and a multitude of other sophisticated capabilities.
Some students of the Book of Mormon have speculated that the record is a history of the ancient peoples of Central or South America notwithstanding the fact that their record was recovered from a stone box in a hill near Palmyra, New York, USA and Church leaders have maintained for over 100 years that this was the location of that hill called "Cumorah." (see Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation article HERE) Others have proposed the Great Lakes region of North America to be its lands. Robust new research, based on a multi-disciplinary approach, is now providing overwhelming evidence that this history is a record of Native American peoples who lived in what is today the Heartland of the United States on the continent of North America. This research begs the question, "Did the Book of Mormon take place in America’s Heartland?"
For those of the Mormon faith, the "Heartland" of what is now the United States of America has always been a special, even sacred, location; from the Garden of Eden (OT Genesis 2:15, OT Genesis 3:23-24, PoGP Moses 6:17 ) and Adam-ondi-Ahman (see D&C 107:53, D&C 116:1) ; to the restoration of the gospel (see D&C Introduction, D&C 20:1, Joseph Smith - History) and the building of the New Jerusalem (NT Revelation 21:2, BoM Ether 13:2-6, 3 Nephi 20:22, D&C 84:1-4, D&C 45:64-67, PoGP Moses 7:62) – the Heartland of North America has been the setting for sacred events throughout human history.
New research based in part on 36 prophecies contained within the Book of Mormon (see VIDEO GALLERY # 1-10) and historically verified writings and statements of the Church's founding Prophet, Joseph Smith (see VIDEO GALLERY 11-15 and/or read article HERE), in combination with physical evidences from DNA/genetics (download entire DNA book HERE, or watch Dr. Donald Yates of DNA Testing Systems HERE), archaeology, anthropology, metallurgy, linguistics, horticulture, climate indicators, ocean currents and voyage routes, geography, astronomy, calendaring and symbology, point to the very real probability that the people and places of the Book of Mormon were primarily in the Mississippi and Ohio River valleys of what is today the United States of America.
Secular evidence continues to mount that the Book of Mormon may have occurred in the Heartland of North America. This new research is offering unprecedented evidence of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. Interestingly, much of this evidence is coming from non-Mormon secular sources, which is one of the many reasons why this research is so powerful and compelling.
Below are links to articles and websites exploring what is now being called “The Heartland Model Geography” for the Book of Mormon. For further information access our VIDEO GALLERY, our ARCHIVED NEWSLETTERS or attend one of our many EVENTS across the country and around the world. To keep up with current research and events, sign up for our free newsletters HERE.
Articles
The Scriptural Basis for the Book of Mormon Heartland Model Geography
ReDiscovering the Book of Mormon Remnant Through DNA - Entire Book Download - FREE
Nephite Observance of the Law of Moses: Evidence from America's Heartland
Hebrew Written Language CONFIRMED in Hopewell Mound in Tennessee!
The Mississippi; Could it have been River Sidon?
Lehi's Ocean Voyage Demonstrated; The Phoenicia Expedition
Podcast by LDS Liberty (listen to the interview!)
Best Evidence for the Book of Mormon by Allen Rock Waterman
Central America or North America? posting by Denver Snuffer
The Remnant; a posting by Denver Snuffer
Review of Prophecies & Promises by Jake Freeman of Telemoonfa Time
Heartland Model Declared a "Movement" by University of Chicago
For several years the Heartland Model Geography for the Book of Mormon, as it is now being officially recognized, has endured relentless criticism from individuals and organizations promoting Mesoamerica as its setting. They have done so in a concerted effort to discourage members of the Church and others from reviewing this research for themselves, knowing that the vast majority of those who objectively review the research feel that this geography model "just makes more sense." Unfortunately, these articles are often misleading, incorrect and/or uninformed about the Heartland Book of Mormon geography model. For the purpose of clarifying and addressing these articles, we offer a few responses to our critics.
We appreciate the time and effort taken by others to help us improve our research, but personal attacks questioning the character, motives and intelligence of other faithful members of the Church are unwarranted, contentious and unChrist-like. Our goal in addressing a few of these critics is to demonstrate that the Heartland Model has the ability to answer many questions in defense of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon as never before. This is not to say that there are now answers to every question, rather we feel that it offers cogent, straight-forward answers to many previously unanswered or unanswerable questions.
We hope you find the articles helpful in determining for yourself the strengths of differing thoughts and ideas regarding Book of Mormon geography. No matter "where" it happened, we testify "that" it happened...that it is a genuine ancient history of real people, places and things. Enjoy the journey!
Articles
Did Joseph Smith Identify Zarahemla in Guatemala?
BYU's Maxwell Institute Fires Heartland Model Critics
Response to FARMS Review Article, Gregory L. Smith
Nephite Observance of the Law of Moses: Lack of Evidence in Mesoamerica
Reply to Jay Osmond’s “Friendly Critic”
Reply to a Misleading New Years Article
Reply to Meridian Magazine article, Mesoamerican or Heartland Model: Only One Right?
LDS Freedom Forum; Rod Meldrum Defends Book of Mormon; The Packham Debate
LDS Freedom Forum: Book of Mormon Setting in North America Blog
Interview at Manti Pageant with Aaron Shafovaloff of Mormon Research Ministry
Reply to Deseret News article, Pros, Cons of Book of Mormon Geography Theories
LDS Freedom Forum blog; DNA Evidence for Book of Mormon Geography
Is Izapa Stella #5 the Story of Lehi's Dream? An Improved Interpretation Suggests it is Not
Join us this year for an unforgettable tour of a lifetime combining Book of Mormon history with Church history on the same sacred lands of Adamic history and the future New Jerusalem! Experience the ultimate in LDS educational touring with the most knowledgable hosts and the most accommodating tour directors. You will experience the powerful and sacred evidences of the Book of Mormon in America's Heartland, visiting museums displaying headplates and breastplates along with exploring the mighty earthworks possibly erected by Captain Moroni for the once mighty Nephite civilization. If you've wanted to experience the Book of Mormon and Church history like never before, join us this year and make your dream a reality. The combination of Church history and Book of Mormon history on the same sacred lands is like having two amazing tours in one!
Tour member Patti Wilcox wrote of her tour,
"I have been on a lot of wonderful tours, but this beats any experience. It was an absolute banquet of delights. I was fed spiritually, physically, socially, intellectually, and emotionally.
I have come away from this experience changed and enlivened."
Your tour gives you insights into Church history and Book of Mormon history you never dreamed possible. These are the most comprehensive and all-inclusive tours available. Read what other tour members are saying about their experience by clicking HERE. Book of Mormon geography researchers, authors and lecturers Rod L. Meldrum and Wayne N. May of Ancient American magazine have teamed with Legacy Tours and Travel to offer these incredible opportunities to learn about and experience these sacred sites.
2013 Tour Schedule. New Tour Available! There has been overwhelming response to our comprehensive two week combination tour, however, many latter-day saints have already had the chance to visit Church history sites and asked if we could offer a tour that focuses on the Book of Mormon related sites and would not require two weeks. Last year we offered two very sucessful 7-day tours of the proposed Book of Mormon sites in America's Heartland. These 7-day tours utilize the weekends so that only one week vacation time is needed from work!
This year we are adding a second opportunity to join our 13-day comprehensive tour in July that will include the Hill Cumorah pageant, the Nauvoo pageants and other events only available midsummer. We'll take you to the museums and sites where you will see for yourself the ancient copper headplates and breastplates, massive earthen walls and burial mounds of the Nephite/Hopewell Mound builder civilization that flourished in this sacred land during Book of Mormon time frames.
Join our expert hosts on these incredible tours!
Join our tour team of Rod Meldrum (Book of Mormon DNA researcher, lecturer and author), Wayne N. May (publisher of Ancient American Magazine, author) Kay Godfrey (Joseph Smith epoch historian, see his website and biography HERE ), along with travel experts Mark and Jill Clifford.
2013 Spring/Summer Tours
June 2-8 7-Day Book of Mormon Tour w/ Rod Meldrum & Wayne May
July 15-27 13-Day Church History/Book of Mormon Tour w/ Rod Meldrum & Wayne May
Read Alan and Suzanne Osmond's tour experience with testimonials from other tour members HERE!
2013 Fall (Autumn Colors) Tours
Sept. 1-7 7-Day Book of Mormon Tour w/ Rod Meldrum & Wayne May
Oct. 14-26 13-Day Church History/Book of Mormon Tour w/ Rod Meldrum, Wayne May &
Kay Godfrey
For all the information click HERE or call Legacy Tours and Travel directly at 877-221-5161 (Toll Free) or 801-683-0123
Special pricing has been extended on the book that has become one of the most sought after LDS books and the #1 selling book on Book of Mormon Geography! Now you can own a copy of this gorgeous 212 page heirloom quality hard-bound book Exploring the Book of Mormon in America's Heartland at 25% OFF the regular retail price of $39.95 (3rd printing) for ONLY $29.95!!! This special pricing is available from our BOOKSTORE. To preview the book go to the books photo gallery HERE!
In addition we are offering the following special discounts, including on the DVD that started the Heartland Revolution, DNA Evidence for Book of Mormon Geography, available in quantity at an unprecedented 75% OFF its normal retail of $19.95! See the BOOKSTORE for details.
The enormously popular 5 DVD series, Book of Mormon Evidence, which forms the foundations of the Heartland Model Geography with over 9+ hours of intensive research on the incredible evidences of the Book of Mormon is now available for ONLY $39.95, a saving of 33% OFF the regular price of $59.95!
Augmenting the 5 DVD series is the newer 6 DVD series Book of Mormon Evidence II which provides another incredibly informative 9+ hours of stunning new findings in support of the Book of Mormon's historicity, now on special for 25% OFF its retail price of $39.95 - NOW ONLY $29.95!
For more than three years the single most requested educational item, to learn more about and share this information, has been a large format, high-quality picture book. Finally, author and researcher Rod L. Meldrum has created the first 200+ page heirloom quality photographic journey of discovery into the exciting new "Heartland Model" geography! Its title is Exploring The Book of Mormon In America's Heartland - A Visual Journey of Discovery.
Over 300 stunningly beautiful and informational photographs combine with research, quotes, stories, artifacts, maps and scripture to make this the ultimate book on the Heartland Model. Enjoy some of the book pages by clicking on the PHOTO GALLERY page HERE.
From the Garden of Eden and Adam-ondi-Ahman to the restoration of the Gospel and the New Jerusalem —the “Heartland” of America is the setting of sacred and significant events throughout human history. This photographic book introduces the growing body of evidence that offers the very real probability of a North American setting for The Book of Mormon.
Ancient prophets wrote of a new nation that would occupy their lands in the latter days. They prophesied to that nation, imploring the latter day citizens of that nation not to make the same mistakes that resulted in the destruction of their civilization. To ensure that we could not mistake or misconstrue which nation it was that they were warning, the provided 36 scriptural prophecies and promises regarding that nation. Those prophecies make it absolutely clear and unmistakeable that they were attempting to warn the nation they knew in vision would be the base for the Lord's latter-day Church. They saw our day in vision and they knew that should this nation fail, it would severely impact the ability of the Church to carry out its mission of bring the gospel to the world. The only nation that qualifies in every one of the 36 prophecies to be that latter day nation is the United States of America. The land now occupied by this nation has always been the location of significant events throughout human history. It is ancient as well as the latter-day “Promised Land.” The Prophet Joseph Smith was completely consistent with these prophecies as indicated by his written and signed statements as well as his actions indicating his views on Book of Mormon geography.
Newly emerging scientific information strengthens the assertion that large agrarian societies once flourished in North America at precisely the times of the Jaredite and Nephite cultures. This research, conducted primarily by non-LDS scientists, is revealing a remarkable panorama of culture, achievement and destruction among these ancient peoples.
The research here compiled spans the scope of archaeology, anthropology, architecture, fortifications, trade, religion, metallurgy, DNA, horticulture, transportation–by sea and by land, geographic topologies, building materials, astronomical alignments, mythology and much more."
This visually compelling new book is only $39.95. Compare with other books of similar quality at $45-$60. To purchase, go to the BOOKSTORE.
The FIRM Foundation's 10th Semi-Annual National Book of Mormon Evidence Conference was, as one attendee called it, "the most amazing concentration of evidence for the Book of Mormon ever assembled." The two day conference, held at the South Towne Expo Center in Sandy, Utah on the Thursday and Friday prior to LDS General Conference (Oct. 4-5, 2012) featured over 18 of the most informative speakers and presenters on Evidences of the Book of Mormon, the unveiling of several incredible works of art, entertainment by world renown musicians and performers, and previews of upcoming films and related media and scholarly works. Nearly 500 conference attendee's packed the filled-to-capacity meeting space and spilled over into the vendors area where more than 20 providers of educational materials, books, DVD's, artwork, sculptures, music and inspirational masterpieces and artifacts were displayed such as Joseph Smith's Nauvoo Legion Sword and a marvelous ancient artifact collection brought by Ancient American magazine publisher Wayne N. May. Read the full report about this inspiring conference with more exciting information HERE.
Overview of the Conference - See the Photo Gallery HERE.
FIRM Foundation president Rod L. Meldrum organized what has turned out to be the largest and one of the most profound and inspiring conferences ever on the truthfulness and evidences of the Book of Mormon. Special thanks to all those who volunteered and helped with every aspect of the conference! We would also like to thank and acknowledge Rocky Mountain Audio/Visual (especially Michael Nelson & Kris Irish) for their expertise in lighting, video taping, sound and projection equipment. Because of the expansion of the room size to accommodate as many attendees as possible, it became necessary to have a much larger projection screen than our previous conferences. This was accomplished by Rod's new 18' wide x 12' height monster screen which made viewing easy, even for those in the back of the event space, to see the many wonderful multi-media presentations. Professional sound was enjoyed by all through multiple speaker systems employed throughout the meeting space. Overall this conference set a new standard in professionalism and excellence for events of this type. View the professional profiles of each of our conference speakers, presenters and performers HERE.
The 9th Semi-Annual National Book of Mormon Evidence Conference was a wonderfully "Hebraic" experience with more attendee's, more excitement, and more evidences than ever before, with a focus on ancient Hebrew symbolism's among the Hopewell/Nephite civilization! Originally planned for 200 participants, the venue had to be reconfigured and expanded three times to accommodate the overwhelming 420 registered attendee's crowding into the South Towne Exposition Center's large halls. Notable attendee's included Alan & Suzanne Osmond, Sister Mary Ellen Smoot (former Relief Society General President), Dr. Robert Fuller, Idaho Senator Lee Heider, Dr. Bruce Widner, Dr. Lincoln Fuqua, Bill & Kathrine Engemann, Larry Ferguson, and many more. Attendee's came to the conference from the distant lands of Russia, Netherlands and Canada as well as throughout the United States! Read all about this amazing conference HERE.
The most exciting and comprehensive DVD series on Book of Mormon geography is available after over 2 years of gathering high-definition film footage, conducting interviews, and creating graphics that has taken 8 months of editing to complete. You will experience this research like never before! On location explanations, interviews with renowned filmmakers, artists, historians, and experts in several fields. Over 9 hours of in-depth explanations and presentations that will have you saying like so many thousands of others, "Why didn't I know this before?" This DVD series is being described as the most powerful evidence for the truthfulness and historicity of the Book of Mormon ever assembled by those who have previewed it.
The 5 DVD disk series includes:
DVD 1; Prophecies and Promises; Promised Land Correlations with the United States of America
DVD 2; Joseph Smith; Joseph Smith and Book of Mormon Geography
DVD 3; DNA and the Book of Mormon; Rediscovering the Book of Mormon Remnant through DNA
DVD 4; Book of Mormon Correlations; Correlations between the Nephites and the Hopewell Civilization
DVD 5; The Heartland Geography; Mapping the Book of Mormon using the Heartland Geography
Each of the DVD's is approximately an hour an a half in length plus bonus features making them about 2 hours total viewing time per DVD.
You will see interviews with:
Elder Hartman Rector Jr., emeritus member of the First Quorum of the Seventy
Kieth Merrill, award winning filmmaker and writer and director of 'Legacy' and 'The Testaments'
Wayne N. May, author and publisher of Ancient American magazine
Bruce H. Porter Ph.D., author and LDS ancient linguistics scholar, CES director
Kay Godfrey, 30 year Joseph Smith period historian and Church History tour host
David Lindsley, renowned LDS artist and painter of Joseph Smith artwork on the current Church manual
Dr. Robert Fuller, owner of the Zermatt Resort, Midway Utah.
Charles Allen, author of Out of Captivity and Zelph Mound location researcher
Shirley Whitlock, 15 year president of Eagle Forum of AZ, Constitutionalist
James Bradley, foremost expert and author of The Eternal Perspective of Zion's Camp
Jon McNaughton, renowned LDS artist and painter of One Nation Under God
Jason Millward, LDS sculptor, creator of Visions of the Past and The Promised Land sculptures
Michael Bedard, painter of the restoration, Nauvoo, IL
Cal Christensen, long time resident and historian of old Nauvoo
Click on the film frame below to see the introductory trailer to the DVD series
Quick Links
Information on LDS (Mormon) Church
Church Information - Mormon.org
Book of Mormon Evidence Webpages
Heartland Research Articles
Newsletter Registration Sign-Up
Social Networks - Mormon Evidence
Heartland Research - Additional Sources
Joseph Smith Foundation - Academy
Nephite Explorer Television Series
David Allan - Physicist & Faithful
Tours & Travel
Tour Attendee's Experience Blog
Alan Osmond Tour Experience Blog
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Quote by Austin Farrar
The relationship between rational argument (evidence) and belief.
"Though argument does not create conviction, lack of it destroys belief.
What seems to be proved may not be embraced: but what no one shows the ability to defend is quickly abandoned.
Rational argument does not create belief, but it maintains a climate in which belief may flourish."
For more information about the truths of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ we invite you to visit www.LDS.org
Advancing the cause of liberty in light of the restored gospel.
This website and research has been accomplished through private means and represents the opinions of the researchers only. Like all proposed theories regarding Book of Mormon geography it is not endorsed, sponsored by, or affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has an official position of neutrality regarding Book of Mormon geography and has endorsed no proposed geography.
The work described herein is the research and information of an independent organization in support of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon as a literal ancient historical and prophetic record witnessing of the divinity of Jesus Christ, and the wisdom and knowledge of the Prophet, Joseph Smith.